The 30-year -old South African right-arm bowler, after a two-year stint with Kent, has joined Sussex and took 42 first-class wickets for the neighboring county this year, helping them return to Division One. Making his county debut in the first match of last year’s campaign, Dudgeon delivered exceptional figures of 7-36 against Northamptonshire before sustaining a knee injury during training, which prematurely ended his tenure with Kent.
Dudgeon played two seasons for Kent, appearing in 13 County Championship games in 2026 and claiming 42 wickets at an average of 32.09, with his best performance being 6/21. He was Kent’s second-highest wicket-taker, behind Matt Milnes, as the county secured promotion from Division Two. In his first season with Kent, Dudgeon took 7/36 against Northamptonshire in the opening match, but a knee injury sustained during training ended his campaign prematurely.
In his first-class career, which encompasses significant cricket experience in his native South Africa, Dudgeon has claimed 281 wickets at an average of 26.96. His move to Hove marks the second new signing for the Sussex squad ahead of 2027, after Joey Evison, also from Kent, joined the team.
Sussex’s Director of Cricket, Paul Farbrace, stated: “He is just the quality of player and person we have been looking for to help us to continue to grow and compete in Division One of the County Championship, and aim for the knockout stages of the Blast. Keith’s high level of skill, experience and winning nature is exactly what this team needs right now.”
Dudgeon recognized the contributions of Sussex and Kent staff in making the transfer possible, specifically thanking Paul Farbrace and Matt Walker. He also paid tribute to Kent, where he had spent two seasons, before voicing his excitement about moving to Hove.
